Some Reasons Why Actual Cross-Fertilization in Cross-Functional Agile Teams Is Difficult

Background: Agile teams are supposed to be cross-functional in order to be complete (so they can work without external help). Cross-functionality is also supposed to produce cross-fertilization: Better ideas and solutions, problems prevented or detected earlier, etc. Question: What is motivating or demotivating team members to work in a cross-functional manner? Method: We conceptualize observations from five agile teams (work observations, interviews, group discussion) and from interviews with five agile consultants/ coaches by applying Grounded Theory Methodology. Results: The inclination to interact cross functionally is moderated by at least six factors such as perceived inefficiency, a sense of responsibility for one's own functional domain, or the difficulty to find a level of detail that is suitable for the collaboration. Conclusion: Cross-fertilization is harder to get than one might expect and teams need to develop good judgment to succeed at it.